Morning Buzz: Tuesday 10.21.08

LAPD officers are far more likely to stop, search and arrest minorities than whites, according to a ACLU-sponsored study that adjusted for high- and low-crime areas. LAT, DN
The Times leads the paper with the most outrage-causing finding in Controller Laura Chick's audit of the LAPD's handling of rape kits — that 200 unprocessed kits now can't be used as evidence. LAT, DN
Eli Broad ranks #3 on a list of the most philanthropic U.S. billionaires. Portfolio
Dozens of members of the Mongols motorcycle gang were arrested today on federal racketeering charges following a three-year investigation. DN wires
A forensic specialist hired by Kazuyoshi Miura's attorney says the Japanese murder suspect was murdered inside the Parker Center jail. The LAPD says he committed suicide. LAT
"If you don't pass Measure R, there will be no money for traffic improvements for the next 30 years," Mayor Villaraigosa says. Bottleneck Blog
A 48-foot female fin whale was carried into the Port of Long Beach on the bow of a freighter that struck and killed the whale. Daily Breeze
What ever happened to local casino king George Hardie? LAT
The Daily Breeze also endorsed Barack Obama. Breeze
LAT wins national awards for its weekly Travel and Food sections.